SOME LIGHT IN THE DARK

We hosted over 20 Baltimore Orioles on a rainy and cold May 13th.

May is normally a great time for me. Spring migration is in full swing, and we normally go out birding for hours at a time and see not only our returning feathered friends, but also other birders we haven't see since last Spring.

This May has been different. I have been ill since the end of April. Was off work for 2 weeks and 2 trips to the hospital. Not going into all the personal details, but feel free to send well wishes my way.

While I was home, I wasn't off the couch much, but one joy I found throughout the day was watching the return of our feathered friends through our kitchen window. (click on photos to enlarge)

Our Baltimore Orioles returned May 7th.

We had 3 male Red-breasted Grosbeaks stop by, and 1 female.

"Papa" has returned for another year and has a lady friend again, babies are soon to follow.

New yard visitor this year, Orchard Oriole! We had a few around for about a week. 

Female Orchard Oriole  

May 12th and 13th were cold and rainy days, Rob put out extra food to help the Baltimore Orioles. 

It was hard to keep up with the demand.

So he made a "buffet" feeder to help, oranges and grape jelly for all!! 

We have a pair of Robins again this year. Wishing them a successful nest.

We have also had some warbler species stop in, I've only seen a Nashville and a Yellow-rumped, but Rob was super excited to spot a Blackburnian, new to the yard list. Our Ruby-throated Hummingbirds have returned as well, no pictures yet, but it was a joy to see them once again. Our backyard birds we're a bright spot during a dark time, I am grateful that they visit us.

The couple times I did manage a quick outing it was nice to have some first of the year sightings.

First Yellow Warbler sighting of the year, May 4th.

We also saw a Belted Kingfisher on this short outing. 

First of year Black-throated Green Warbler, May 5th. 

First of year Cape May Warbler, enjoying a bath. May 11th

First of year Northern Parula, May 11th.

Young Great Horned Owl, May 11th 

First Oven Bird I'd seen in a couple years, May 12th.

Great way to end an outing, pair of Eastern Screech Owls. May 12th

Rob and I are off next week, and I'm hoping I continue to recover so I can enjoy the next week off and get out there and see some birds!